Sunday, November 2, 2014

an ULTRA amazing opportunity!

I've been asked to be an Ambassador for Ultra Adventures! Ultra Adventures organizes trail and endurance running events in and around the southern Utah and AZ area.

Running through antelope canyon in the inaugural Antelope Canyon 100 last February

Last year I was fortunate to run three of their races. First was Antelope Canyon 50 mile. This was my first ultra marathon and the beginning of a new obsession. Thanks to my good friend and running mentor, Cory Reese, I signed up (somewhat unwillingly -- very nervously...) and the rest is history. I've discovered a lot about myself through competing in endurance races. I've learned that 1.) I'm tougher than I ever thought I could be 2.) I am an athlete (this one actually took many, many years to come to convince myself of) 3.) I have what it takes to push through and win! (I took first place female at the Grand Canyon 50 mile ultra).

Amazing views at the Grand Canyon Ultra!

I'm pretty happy here :)

This is when I found out, right after crossing the finish line, that I had won!! It was such an awesome moment :)

So what does all of this mean, really? Well, it means that I'm going to be running a lot next year. And I could not be more excited to get started. Looking ahead at 2015, my tentative schedule looks something like this:

And then... if I'm lucky enough to be selected, The Grand to Grand Ultra in September. More on that one later because I don't want to jinx it.

I can't even begin to describe how honored I am to be asked by Ultra Adventures to advocate on their behalf. They are truly a one of a kind business. I felt like part of their family from race #1. They are such genuinely good people. I'm truly grateful to participate in their events and to call them my friends.